Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year To 2014

Mesa County, Colo.-- Deputies are already out in force patrolling the streets of Mesa County along side our law enforcement partners from police agencies to Colorado State Patrol. It is after all New Year's Eve, with celebrating bashes happening around the world.

The message is always, "Don't Drink and Drive." As the photo (below) from Florida area law enforcement says, we will be out on the roads tonight, too. Keep in mind, drugs and alcohol can also contribute greatly to serious personal injury, fights and assaults, as well as sex assaults. Just be kind to yourself and others, so we can all ring in 2014!

According to a Colorado DMV website, Colorado has two levels of alcohol-related driving offenses and both are based on the measurement of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the body.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI): A DUI is the more serious offense of the two and has consequences that are extremely costly both to your wallet and to your diving privileges, and could potentially result in serious jail time.

Driving While Ability is impaired by Alcohol or Drugs (DWAI): This may be the lesser of the two offenses defined as a BAC between .05% and .07%, but the fines and penalties are just as hefty.

A few DUI (alcohol and drug) statistics from our agency:

July 2012 through December 2012: 59 DUI Arrests

January-March 2013: 49 DUI Arrests/Average BAC 0.163 (twice the intoxicated limit to be charged with a DUI)/Average Age of person arrested 34 years old/of the 49 arrests, 60% were men and 40% were female

April-June 2013: 56 DUI Arrests/Average BAC 0.185 (more than twice the intoxicated limit to be charged with a DUI)/Average Age of person arrested 33 years old/of the 56 arrests, 78% were men and 22% were female

July-September 2013: 40 DUI Arrests/Average BAC 0.171 (more than twice the intoxicated limit to be charged with a DUI)/Average Age of person arrested 33 years old/of the 40 arrests, 65% were men and 35% were female

For more information on penalties, driving suspension information and more, visit this website.

If you don't have a sober driver, don't have a safe place to stay and/or can't reach a friend to safely get you home...consider a cab service in Mesa County:

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Fifty Pounds Of Pot At Home Found After Medical Call

Mesa County, Colo. -- Patrol deputies responding to a residence about 1:15 p.m. on December 20, 2013, on 30 Road in Grand Junction, for a medical call cleared the scene and turned it over to our agency's Street Crimes Unit. What deputies found was an overwhelming smell of marijuana permeating the home on initial response, then they located the source of the smell.

Mason jars that normally would hold canned fruits or vegetables were instead, loaded with pot. After an inventory of the contents of all marijuana located in the home was complete, abut 50 pounds marijuana was booked into evidence related to this incident. That is far more than personal use, even for the two adults who live in the home.

The case remains under investigation. Further details will be released as they become available. You can always follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty for details on emergency incidents in our County.

Arrest Made in Armed Robbery

Mesa County, Colo. -- Mesa County Sheriff's Office Investigators arrested 23-year-old Grand Junction resident Brittany Hailey (04/30/90) after she was identified by eyewitnesses as the armed robber. Brittany was contacted and agreed to peacefully turn herself in at the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. She turned herself in late on 12/24/13 and admitted she was the person who pointed a gun at the store clerk and demanded money from her. Brittany has been charged with Aggravated Robbery, Menacing and Theft ($300-$750).

###

Previously Released on December 21, 2013

12/21/13
Mesa County Sheriff deputies responded to a report of an Armed Robbery at a convenience store located at 3199 Mesa Ave, just before 8 p.m. The suspect left the store with groceries, cigarettes, and an undetermined amount of cash. Deputies continue to investigate, and updates will be posted as they become available.

On December 21, 2013, at approximately 2:19 a.m., Mesa County Sheriff deputies responded to a "shots fired" call from dispatch in the 200 block of Beaver Street, Grand Junction. Grand Junction Police officers also responded to assist.

When deputies arrived at the residence, they found that a 19-year-old male with non-life threatening gun shot wounds had already been transported to St. Mary's Hospital by a private vehicle. A second victim, also a 19-year-old male had been assaulted, but did not sustain any injuries from a gun.

Investigators and deputies are still conducting interviews and this case remains open and under investigation.

Updates on this case will be provided as they become available. Follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat for more information about emergency incidents in #MesaCounty.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Patrol & Street Crimes Unit Both Bust Adult Males With Meth

Mesa County, Colo. --While on patrol last night, just before 11 p.m., a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of D 1/2 Road and D 1/2 Court, on a passenger car with one male occupant. The driver identified himself and was verified to be 18-year-old Ezequiel Silva-Garcia, of Delta. Ezequiel was arrested for an outstanding warrant originally issued by Montrose County Sheriff's Office for controlled substance violation(s).

While searching the vehicle Ezequiel was driving, deputies located a bag containing methamphetamine weighing 18 grams and a digital scale. The street value of that amount of meth is approximately $1,000.00. Ezequiel was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility without incident on the outstanding warrant and new charges including possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and expired registration.

**Currently, there is no booking photo available of Ezequiel.

Aaron Irvine, 37, of Grand Junction

Just before patrol arrested Ezequiel, the deputies with the Street Crimes Unit, conducted a traffic stop at about 8:45 p.m., in the area of 32 Road and Bunting Avenue. Deputies saw the occupants of the truck throwing item(s) out of it before the driver stopped the truck. Both the driver and passenger were arrested, and the bag thrown from the truck was located and identified as methamphetamine. The meth and packaging weighed in at just over 54 grams, with an approximate meth amount of 20 grams and an approximate street value of $1,100.00.

Aaron Irvine, 37, of Grand Junction, was the passenger of the truck and the driver was Harold Wardle, 60, of Grand Junction. Irvine was previously arrested by deputies on November 13, 2013, on a warrant issued by the Grand Junction Police Department. Wardle was previously booked into the jail on October 21, 2013, when he turned himself into the Detention Facility on outstanding charge(s).

Harold Wardle, 60, of Grand Junction

For updated bond information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System through our agency website. Also, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty for emergency information.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Inmate Visitation Scheduling Done On Website Or In Lobby Kiosk

Mesa County, Colo. -- The last day to schedule an inmate visitation appointment with an inmate in our facility by telephone is today, December 18, through 5pm. As of yesterday, the public wishing to visit an inmate in our facility can make the visitation appointment from the convenience of their own home. Assuming you have a computer and internet connection. This will make the processing of scheduling an inmate visit much easier for friends and family of our inmates.

During the booking process, each inmate provides up to 10 names of potential visitors to our detention staff. Of those 10 names, those people can then make a visitation appointment through our agency website or lobby kiosk once the inmate is assigned to a housing unit.

Inmates who are in our facility for an extended amount of time or get booked into our facility on multiple occasions throughout the year, can update or modify the names on their visitor list in 2014 at the end of April, July and October.

If you are not on the pre-approved visitor list for the inmate you want to visit, you will not be able to make a visitation appointment. Because our Records Management System and Video Visitation System interface, each inmate visitor must be entered into our system in advance of scheduling an inmate visit. Also, when make an inmate visitation appointment online, you will need to use your email account through a service such as Google, Yahoo, etc.

For more information about all aspects of our agency and local law enforcement, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Armed Suspect Identified, Wanted Man

Mesa County, Colo. – Immediately following the shooting incident that occurred at 3210 B ½ Road, on Saturday, December 14, 2013, the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was activated to conduct an investigation. The CIRT on this investigation is being lead by the Grand Junction Police Department.In tangent with the Mesa County Coroner's Office, the suspect is identified as Lawrence Sanchez, DOB: 10/16/1964. At the time of his death, he was wanted for escape from a halfway house (Community Corrections) and other related charges by The Colorado Department of Corrections. Two deputies were placed and remain on administrative leave for their involvement in this shooting, which is standard procedure. As noted earlier, the CIRT investigation continues. Once complete, likely a matter of weeks, the case will be forwarded to District Attorney Pete Hautzinger, for his review and disposition.The Critical Incident Response Team is comprised of the following agencies: Grand Junction Police Department, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Fruita Police Department, Palisade Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Colorado Bureau of Investigation. It is generally activated when a law enforcement agency is involved in a critical incident to ensure a complete and accurate investigation.Released on December 16, 2013### Previously Released on December 14, 2013:

Critical Incident Response Team Activated For Shooting Investigation

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies responding to the area of 32 Road and B 1/2 Road, Grand Junction (East Orchard Mesa), in the early afternoon today located an armed male. The Sheriff's Office SWAT Team and agency negotiators were called to the scene. Late in the afternoon, the adult male suspect was shot by law enforcement. The suspect was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.It is standard practice for a Critical Incident Response Team to be activated and used for an investigation that involves an officer/deputy shooting. In this situation, the Grand Junction Police Department is the lead investigating agency on this case, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies in the County.

Previously Released on December 14, 2013:

The situation is now being considered an officer involved shooting. The situation is being turned over to the Critical Incident Response Team.

Original Posting on December 14, 2013:

The MCSO SWAT Team was called out early this afternoon to deal with a possible barricaded subject in the Clifton area. The team is currently in contact with the male subject. Updates will be made as they are received.

The autopsies are not expected to be completed until tomorrow. Cause and manner of death will be provided by the Coroner’s Office at a later time.

The Sheriff’s Office has implemented the Family Media Liaison Program. This program coordinates and responds to media inquiries on an individual family basis. All media should use the following email addresses when making a media request that is family specific. For overall incident or investigative media inquiries, Heather Benjamin will remain your point of contact.

The media request email accounts are as follows:
The Brewer Family: DanaBrewerFamily@gmail.com
The Kennon Family: WilliamKennonFamily@gmail.com
The Platz Family: RichardPlatzFamily@gmail.com

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Three Souls On Board Plane, Crashed On Grand Mesa

Mesa County, Colo. -- The Mesa County Coroner is on the scene of the single engine airplane that is believed to have crashed in the afternoon of December 12, 2013. The cause of the crash remains unknown. The Federal Aviation Administration officials are enroute to Mesa County, from Salt Lake City, Utah, to investigate this incident. The FAA representative(s) is anticipated to arrive in the early afternoon today.

The three male adults on board the crashed airplane have been accounted for and their family members have been notified. The families and victims are local residents of Mesa County. At this time, it will be the Mesa County Coroner's responsibility to release the identity of the crash victims, as well as cause and manner of death.

Further updates will be provided as they become available. However, at this stage in the investigation, we anticipate few additional details to be released. We also do not anticipate releasing any agency photos of the crash site.

For updates on emergency incidents in #MesaCounty, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat.

###

Previously Released on December 13, 2013, at 4 a.m.

Crash Site Located By Civil Air Patrol, No Survivors

Mesa County, Colo.-- Civil Air Patrol aircraft spotted a crashed airplane from the air about 11:40 p.m. (the previous time here was 9:30 p.m., but with updated dispatch notes we have made this time more accurate) in the Porter Creek area of the Grand Mesa, a remote location East of Collbran, Colo. The crash site is about 5 miles from the nearest road. Mesa County Search and Rescue Snow Skipper Team responded immediately to the scene and confirmed it was the missing plane and it had crashed. The airplane was a Piper single engine prop plane and the cause of the crash has not been determined.

Unfortunately, all three occupants were found deceased with the airplane. The three victims are all adults. Recovery efforts are ongoing.###Previously Released on December 12, 2013, at 9 p.m.

Civil Air Patrol Searching For Possible Missing Airplane Beacon

Mesa County, Colo.-- Rural Area deputies received notification from the manager of the Mesa Mack Airport this evening that a plane was overdue on it's scheduled return to that airport today. The missing plane left the Mesa Mack Airport with a pilot and two passengers on board. They informed the Airport Manager they would be looking for livestock on the Grand Mesa, but their route and destination are unknown.

Civil Air Patrol--The United State Air Force Auxiliary, has launched an aircraft in the area in an attempt to locate the missing plane and/or pick-up a distress beacon possibly activated by the missing plane if it were in an emergency situation. The Civil Air Patrol has primary responsibly for locating aircraft when an ELT beacon is activated or there is an emergency response needed for an aircraft. According to the website, www.aopa.org, ELT stands for Emergency Locator Transmitter carried aboard aircraft in the event of an accident. These devices are designed to transmit a distress signal in an emergency situation. It was mandated by Congress in 1973, for all general aviation aircraft in the United States to carry ELTs after two U.S. Congressmen were in a plane crash in Alaska in 1972, and their crash site has never been located.

In addition to the Civil Air Patrol, deputies have contacted authorities with The High-Altitude Army National Guard, Aviation Training Site near Gypsum, Colo. for additional resources in the air tonight to try and locate this missing plane. The Mesa County Search and Rescue Control, Inc.--Snow Skippers Team is currently on standby, and ready to respond as needed to any location in Mesa County.

At this time, deputies have not received any missing person reports nor has local air traffic control received any indication that this plane has in fact experienced an emergency situation. Updates regarding this incident will be posted as they become available.###

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Two Jailed On Meth Related Charges

Mesa County, Colo.-- Deputies with the agency's Street Crimes Unit did a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Interstate 70 Business Loop and Fruitvale Court just before midnight on December 10, 2013. Four adults were in the vehicle.

Jesse Austin, 32, of Grand Junction

Ultimately, two adult males were arrested and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility. Ashton Ryan, 25, of Missouri, was booked on possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Jesse Austin, 32, of Grand Junction, was booked on possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and tampering with evidence. Jesse was previously arrested on a warrant by Grand Junction Police Department officers on November 15, 2013.

Bond information can be found through our Inmate Inquiry System on our agency website. For more information on breaking incidents in Mesa County, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Drug Task Force Arrests Two, Charges For Large Amount Of Marijuana

Jose Zaragoza, 21

Mesa County, Colo.-- Near mile marker 15, eastbound Interstate 70, Western Colorado Drug Task Force deputies arrested two males with 63 pounds of vacuum packaged marijuana in the vehicle they were traveling in. The street value on that amount of marijuana is approximately $160,000.00.

Adan Ponce, 25-years-old and Jose Zaragoza, 21-years-old, were both booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one charge each of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Jose was also charged with a traffic violation. The deputies arrested both suspects about 1 a.m. on December 11, 2013.

Bond information can be located through our Inmate Inquiry System, on our agency website. For emergency updates on incidents in Mesa County, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Sunday Court Arraignments Cancelled, Effective Immediately

Mesa County, Colo.—Weekend arraignments were previously being held in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office on Sundays. Effective immediately, those weekend arraignments are discontinued and will now take place on Monday, at the Justice Center.

This is a matter of public notice, specifically for any victims who may want to appear for arraignment.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Donations Benefit Local Kids

Mesa County, Colo. -- Local law enforcement will be parked outside the Target wing of the Mesa Mall on Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., collecting toy donations for the local Toys for Tots drive. Toys for Tots organizes and distributes all donated toys locally to families less fortunate.

Toys for Tots collected in December 2011

There are many locations to donate this holiday season, but stuffing the Bearcat has become an annual tradition for SWAT Members with the Grand Junction Police Department and the Mesa County Sheriff's Office. The Bearcat is a rescue vehicle, shared between local law enforcement agencies. Most recently, the Bearcat was filled with non-perishable and canned foods all donated to the local Vet Center, in an effort to help feed local veterans in need.

If you aren't able to make it to Mesa Mall this Saturday to drop-off your donated gift(s) to Toys for Tots, you can always leave your donations this week in the bins at 215 Rice Street and 555 Ute Avenue, both in Grand Junction.

Toys for Tots collected in December 2011

Media Note:Officers and deputies will speak with media on Saturday during this toy collection drive, just show-up between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Remember though, all media must get prior approval from Mesa Mall officials for any media coverage on their property. Media may contact Chelsi Reimer with Mesa Mall to request approval.

Follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Search & Rescue currently accepting applications

Mesa County, Colorado—The Mesa County Search and Rescue Ground Team is currently accepting applications for new members. All prospective members must first complete an application. Applications can be picked up at the front counter of the Sheriff’s Office during business hours or printed off our website. Please note, anyone interested in becoming a new member must pass a background check and will have to go through an interview process. The deadline for turning in applications is Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

Completed applications can be returned to--

or, dropped off at the front counter of the Sheriff's Office, Attention: Bernice
The front counter at the Sheriff's Office is open Monday through Friday (holidays excluded), from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 215 Rice Street, Grand Junction;

Prospective members should be outdoor enthusiasts with a high level of physical fitness and have the ability and willingness to walk many miles through rugged terrain while carrying a heavy pack.

The training class is a 10 week course, beginning Thursday, February 06, 2014. Training topics include search methods, land navigation skills, personal survival and rescue techniques. The classes will be held Thursday evenings and every other Saturday morning. Prospective members are required to attend all classes to become a new member and ongoing trainings are mandatory to attend.

Two Arrested With 85 Pounds Of Marijuana

Mesa County, Colo. -- Just after noon on Thursday, December 5, 2013, two Western Colorado Drug Task Force deputies working interstate interdiction stopped two vehicles traveling together. The first vehicle stopped, was driven by 41-year-old Herbert Palacios, of Illinois. He was stopped in the eastbound lane of I-70 near mile marker 24. The second vehicle was driven by Daniel Dove, 54, also of Illinois, and he was stopped on I-70 in the eastbound lane at mile marker 32.

Marijuana concentrates and personal use marijuana were located by the deputies, in addition to approximately 85 pounds of marijuana. Both were charged with a traffic violation and distribution of marijuana. That amount of marijuana has a street value approximated at $225,000.00.

Daniel Dove, 54, of Illinois

A photo of Daniel Dove is currently not available, but will be posted once it is available. Bond information can be found on our Inmate Inquiry System. For breaking news updates, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Canned Food Delivered To Local Vet Center

Early in the food drive

Mesa County, Colo. -- Just in time for the holidays! Throughout the month of November, the Sheriff's Office collected canned food and non-perishable food from our employees, the public and many of our fellow County employees. On Tuesday, December 03, 2013, the hundreds of pounds of food collected was delivered to the local Vet Center by our agency Street Crimes Unit deputies. Two of the three deputies who delivered the food yesterday are veterans themselves, who served in Iraq or Afghanistan and were honored to be part of this delivery.

As the month went on, more food kept arriving

The idea was meant for Sheriff's Office employees to bring in a few cans of food. But quickly the participation grew when Mesa County Criminal Justice Services and the 21st Judicial District Attorney's Office challenged their own employees to donate to the effort. Also, individual County employees were moved to donate and citizens saw posts on our agency Facebook page and many dropped off bangs or boxes of food direct from the grocery store to our lobby.

Delivering boxes of food

The officials at the local Vet Center are still collecting from area businesses this week, like Cabella's. And, they will take donations directly at their office from anyone with a desire to give. They told us, last year they had enough donated food to make 65 boxes and gave out 55 food boxes to local veterans in need before Christmas (the rest of the food boxes were handed out as needed throughout the following months). Many of those veterans last year had families with them, too. This year, they anticipate collecting more food but also a greater amount of veterans needing those food boxes. When food boxes aren't given out before Christmas, they are kept for any veteran with a need as the year goes on. Also, grocery store gift cards are great donations to this cause because they allow the veteran to purchase fresh meat and/or vegetables to go with their canned food items.

Food being delivered

So, we challenge you to give to this cause or any other local effort this holiday season where someone less fortunate can benefit from your gift. To find or contact the local Vet Center, click here.

ROAD CONDITION/CLOSURE INFORMATION: To find the conditions and closures, log onto our traveler information site at www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state. Better yet, sign up to receive wireless text alerts and/or e-mails about road conditions on our web site (see the green phone icon in the upper right-hand corner).

WESTERN COLORADO – It’s time to get prepared for winter driving! Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) maintenance crews are on standby for winter storm patrols starting tonight at midnight. This means the Maintenance Area crews (see worker numbers below) are out on 24-hour operation—at least half out at any given time on rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts—until they reach dry road conditions.

“With winter driving conditions closing in on us, it’s important to remind drivers to take extra time if they are planning to go out in storm conditions,” said CDOT Region 3 Maintenance Superintendent, Mike Goolsby. “Our crews will do everything they can to keep our highways safe for travelers.”

Last year, Colorado experienced variable winter conditions statewide, and lower snowfall amounts in most areas. The following information provides details on each of Section 2’s Maintenance Area and Patrol locations, personnel and equipment. Note that in addition to the patrols crews listed below, the Maintenance Section also includes special crews dedicated to rest area maintenance, heavy equipment operation and shop maintenance.
The ridge of high pressure over Colorado will flatten over the next two days as a large closed low-pressure system approaches from the southwest. Warm air will continue to move into the state today with increasing amounts of moisture in the upper portion of the atmosphere. Winds will be in the low to moderate range from the west and southwest statewide. Low-level moisture will increase this evening as the closed low moves into California and begins to track across the southwest US. Precipitation, if any, will be limited to the high peaks until Thursday when moist southwest flow moves into the San Juan Mountains. The combination of the closed low and a second system moving in from the north could make for an interesting holiday weekend.</p>

Glenwood Springs Maintenance Area
Patrols located in: Rifle (3 plows), two in Glenwood Springs (6 plows), Aspen (5 plows), Carbondale (3 plows), plus Rest Area patrols are located at No Name, which maintain rest areas at Rifle, No Name, and Grizzly Creek. There are 40 maintenance workers, 40 pieces of equipment (including 18 snowplows, 16 of which are equipped with *MDSS), and 703.29 total lane miles (combined length of all highways’ individual lanes). Total winter budget: $1,341,925.

Gypsum Maintenance Area
Patrols are located in: two in Gypsum (6 plows), Wolcott (3 plows), two in Dowd Junction (10 plows), Leadville (6 plows), and Twin Lakes (2 plows), Vail Pass (8 plows); also Bair, Edwards and Hanging Lake rest areas. There are 54 maintenance workers, 51 pieces of equipment (including 35 snowplows, 21 of which are equipped with MDSS), and 769 total lane miles (combined length of all highways’ individual lanes). Total winter budget: $2,047,792.

Summit County Maintenance/Paul Area (MP 216)
Patrols are located in: Silverthorne (for I-70 Frisco to east Summit County, 10 plows), Silverthorne (for SH 9 and surrounding, 4 plows), Vail Pass (6 plows), Loveland Pass (4 plows) and Frisco (2 plows). This maintenance area also includes the rest area on Vail Pass. There are 39 maintenance workers (not including control room and office staff), 59 pieces of equipment (including 27 snowplows, 22 of which are equipped with MDSS), and 262.94 total lane miles (combined length of all highways’ individual lanes). Total winter budget: $2,047,792.

*Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS), installed on many CDOT plow trucks throughout the state, combines advanced weather prediction, advanced road condition prediction and rules of practice for anti-icing and de-icing to generate road treatment recommendations on a route-by-route basis. The goal of MDSS is to provide more effective use of maintenance resources in order to increase safety, reliability and mobility on roadways. The MDSS system allows CDOT crews to input real-time conditions, including road and ambient temperature, type of snow removal products being used and the application rate. After comparing the information to 15 weather reports, the system will then provide suggested treatments based on the information and models. The system may tell the operator to re-treat the road at a later time, apply different products at different rates or even to continue current procedures. The suggested treatment can then be followed or the operator can override the system.

WINTER TRAVEL TIPS:
Plan your trip! Log on to CDOT’s Winter Driving web page at: http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/winter-driving for tips, road conditions, information on CDOT’s 14-hour snow plow coverage and more; or call 511 for statewide road conditions. Also, sign up for FREE wireless text and/or e-mail updates on road conditions/closures—see the green phone icon in the upper right-hand corner of our web site home page. Motorists can also log onto the National Weather Service’s site at http://weather.gov/.
Always keep the top half of your gas tank full. It can give you better traction and gives you a bigger margin of error if you get stuck and have to keep the engine running periodically to keep warm.
If you are stuck in a serious storm do not leave your car. Run the engine periodically and wait for help.
Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or other food for sustenance. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock de-icer.
Remember that 4-wheel drive does not mean 4-wheel stop. A 4-wheel drive vehicle will not stop any better in icy conditions, especially if you have inadequate snow tires.
Be sure of your route. Don't go exploring in the back-country without some local knowledge, especially during a storm or when one is bearing down anywhere near your location.
Be sure you have good tires. The Colorado State Patrol recommends at least 1/8 of an inch tread depth. All season radials on a front-wheel-drive passenger vehicle are adequate for most situations; install them on all four tires. Four snow tires on most rear-wheel drive vehicles are usually adequate. Chain restrictions in Colorado are most often put into effect for commercial vehicles (semi-trailer trucks) and do not usually affect passenger vehicles (please see information on Colorado’s chain law at http://www.coloradodot.info/travel/commercial-vehicles/colorado-chain-law.url).
In poor visibility or even whiteout conditions, don't drive faster than you can see ahead. High speeds in poor or no visibility can lead to large chain reaction accidents. Remember you can't see around mountain curves and corners, either.
In addition to these winter driving tips, CDOT reminds all motorists to respect winter weather, conduct a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road, and never drink and drive.
Always buckle up!

**Snow Removal Products:
Magnesium Chloride: In solutions that utilize up to 30 percent magnesium chloride, this product is effective for pavement surface temperatures down to 16 degrees Fahrenheit .
Cold Temperature Modified Magnesium Chloride: In solutions up to 27 percent magnesium chloride, this product is used when surface temperatures fall below approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit. These products have a corn-processed byproduct additive that greatly lowers the freezing point of magnesium chloride.
Ice Slicer: This is a solid product made up of mainly sodium chloride; it also contains small amounts of other materials making it more effective at lower temperatures than pure sodium chloride.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Inmate Transport Delayed In Arrival To Mesa County

Mesa County, Colo.-- On November 21, 2013, Mesa County Sheriff’s deputies were transporting three inmates back from different facilities in the Pueblo/Canyon City area, en-route back to our facility. During the transport, deputies noticed one inmate showing signs of distress.

Dartanin Mitchell, 35, photo taken July 2013

In Gunnison, Colo., the transport deputies secured two of the inmates in the Gunnison County Detention Facility while taking the third inmate to the emergency room at the Gunnison Valley Hospital. Under guard by our deputies and local Gunnison law enforcement, the inmate was diagnosed by medical professionals and stabilized for medical ambulance transport to continue travel into Grand Junction. Indications and our belief is that a substance(s) was ingested by the inmate at a facility prior to being picked up by our agency transport deputies.

The ill inmate, Dartanin Duran Mitchell, 35, is considered high risk. He previously escaped from custody of a private transport contractor in the Kansas area, and was apprehended in the Denver Metro area. He currently is serving a prison sentence for armed robberies and assaults that he committed while on escape status in the Denver area. He was being brought to Mesa County for an upcoming court hearing associated with a local case. He currently has multiple on-going cases in our local court system.

For security reasons, the transport team was augmented with the assistance of Gunnison and Montrose County law enforcement agencies as our transport van and ambulance caravanned to Grand Junction. Gunnison authorities escorted to the Montrose County line where Montrose Sheriff’s Office deputies escorted into the Montrose area. The transport team was met by our agency deputies in Montrose County and escorted the group back to our area.

Upon return to Grand Junction, Mitchell was admitted into a local hospital and currently is under heavy guard by our deputies. Upon medical release, Mitchell will be booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility. The other two inmates were immediately booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility after arriving back in the County, without incident.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate what substance may have been taken by Mitchell and has notified the Colorado Department of Corrections facility that he was picked up from of this incident.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Drug Task Force Deputies Arrest Two With Cocaine

Mesa County, Colo. -- On Sunday evening, about 7 p.m., deputies with the Western Colorado Drug Task Force stopped a vehicle just off the Clifton exit ramp of I-70. The vehicle had one passenger in addition to the driver.

Aurielle Duncan, 22 of Grand Jct.

The driver was identified as 22-year-old Aurielle Duncan, of Grand Junction, and the passenger was Devin James, 22, of Fruita. Ultimately, a dog trained in the detection of multiple types of drugs was used to search the vehicle, and alerted positive. The deputies located approximately 230 grams of cocaine in a brown bag, inside the vehicle. The street value of that amount of cocaine is approximately $23,000.00.

Aurielle was charged with two traffic infractions and both suspects were charged with distribution with intent to distribute the cocaine. You can get the most up-to-date inmate information on our website using the Inmate Inquiry System.

Also, for all the latest in emergency happenings in #MesaCounty, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Patrol & Street Crimes Made Drug Arrests

Mesa County, Colo. -- Patrol deputies responding to the 2900 block of Dawn Drive for a dispute between two adults, determined the female they contacted at the address where the dispute was reported, was Chaia Stewart, 30, of Grand Junction. After running her information through dispatch, deputies were made aware she had an active warrant for her arrest.

Chaia Stewart, 30, of Grand Jct.

Deputies witnessed signs of Chaia being under the influence of drugs and before placing her in their patrol car they located prescription pills in a pocket of her clothing. During the booking process, detention deputies located syringes and methamphetamine, on her person.

Chaia was not only booked on her outstanding warrant, but for two charges of introducing contraband and drug paraphernalia, into the Detention Facility. She was previously arrested by the Grand Junction Police Department on June 24, 2013, and booked into the Detention Facility on charges related to methamphetamine, theft and burglary.

Derek Cuppett, 20, of Grand Jct.

Just before midnight, deputies with the MCSO Street Crimes Unit stopped a vehicle near the corner of Grand Avenue and N. 26th Street, for traffic infractions. The driver, Derek Cuppett, 20, of Grand Junction, was issued a ticket for those sub-standard driving skills.

Derek's passenger, Vanessa Lopez, 22, was arrested for outstanding warrants. In addition, deputies located various prescription pills and arrested Derek on charges related to possession of schedule 2 and 3 drugs, and driving while license suspended. Derek was previously arrested twice in October and booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility by the Grand Junction Police Department. On October 26, 2013, Derek was arrested for possession of controlled substance schedule 2 and 4, along with a failure to appear (in court) warrant. Previous to that, he was arrested on October 9, 2013, for criminal trespass and theft related charges.

For bond information on these arrests or any others currently in our Detention Facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. And, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesa Colo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty for all the latest emergency news in the County.

21-Year-Old Man Arrested Again By MCSO

Marquelle "Mark" Rodriguez, 21 of Grand Jct.

Mesa County, Colo. -- Yesterday afternoon, Sheriff's Office investigators booked 21-year-old Marquelle "Mark" Rodriguez, of Grand Junction, into the Mesa County Detention Facility on charges related to stealing a truck and providing a (stolen) handgun to a teenager. Deputies investigating this case recovered the stolen handgun from the teenagers home without incident. The handgun was in the truck investigators believe Mark stole and multiple witnesses gave deputies the same statement about Mark giving the gun to the teenager after finding it in the stolen truck.

Mark was previously arrested by patrol deputies for multiple charges related to domestic violence and violating restraining orders, on November 6, 2013. That arrest was just eight days prior to his booking yesterday.

You can obtain bond information about Mark or other inmates in our facility through our Inmate Inquiry System on our website. And, be sure to follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty for all the latest emergency news in Mesa County.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Second Class In Three Part Series, Free Community Class On Rx & Heroin Abuse

Mesa County, Colo.-- The Sheriff's Office and Crime Stoppers of Mesa County are hosting the second class in a three part series of the monthly community classes. The topic remains: Teens and Prescription Drugs/Heroin Abuse. The third class in this series will be held in December.The upcoming class is November 19, 2013, at Canyon View Vineyard Church Chapel, 736 24.5 Road, Grand Junction, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This class will focus on Opiate-based Prescription Drugs that are becoming a significant public health and public safety concern. These informative classes seek to educate parents and teens about the dangers to teens and trends we are seeing in our community and in the nation. Please RSVP to these free classes through the Safe Kids website at www.safekidsamerica.org, or by calling Deputy Chad Williams directly, at 970-986-1187, for more information.For breaking emergency information in #MesaCounty, be sure to follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat.

Elderly Woman Scammed Out Of More Than $16,000

Mesa County, Colo.-- On November 6, 2013, at about 1:15 p.m., our agency Service Tech was dispatched to a residence in our County to meet with a 73-year-old victim. The victim told our Tech that from between October 31, 2013 and November 6, she was victimized through a telephone scam. The caller claimed to be her grandson. She said, the person impersonated her grandson claimed he was in a car wreck and needed money sent to New York, Mexico and Nicaragua for attorney’s fees, insurance adjusters, etc. She reported she used Western Union and Wal-Mart Money Gram twelve times to send a total of $16,224.00. She stated she finally contacted her grandson who told her he had not contacted her during the subject time period.

This is an all to common scam that targets elderly people and plays on their love for their family. Sadly, there is no way for this money to be recovered. You should always verify the validity of the caller before providing any personal information and/or sending money anywhere.

For more information on current circulating scams, visit the FBI's Fraud and Scam website. And for emergency updates in Mesa County, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Teen Charged In Fake Call To 911

Updated information at 4:42 p.m.-- The juvenile suspect, 16, who was arrested today, was not screened into Youth Detentions (based on their standards). He will be petitioned into court to face charges of false reporting and obstructing a peace officer. The second juvenile suspect, who is 15, was contacted late this afternoon by deputies and will also be petitioned into court to face the same charges.

(Previously Released at 2:24 p.m.)
Mesa County, Colo. -- The original call came into the local Communication Center about 12:30 p.m. today, with a male voice asking for help and then disconnecting. Originally, Grand Junction Police officers were dispatched in an effort to find the location of the cell phone and caller.

After many attempts at calling the cell phone back, eventually dispatchers spoke with a different male voice who said he was a student at a local high school and other students had taken his phone for a few minutes. The incident transitioned to a Sheriff's Office response, which included a School Resource Officer who ultimately located one of two juvenile male suspects at Long's Park south.

The one juvenile male at the park was detained and then arrested, now being screened by a Department of Youth Corrections employee to determine if he will be booked into that facility. This suspect is currently on probation for previous offenses. He was arrested today on obstruction and false reporting charges, in connection to this incident.

Deputies have identified the second suspect and will continue to try and locate him. The original phone owner is not currently being charged in this hoax incident.

Due to Colorado Open Records Act, juvenile names are not to be released unless their charges are a class 4 felony or greater. The current charges do not meet that requirement, therefor the juveniles will not be identified by our agency.

For all the latest law enforcement news follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Mesa County, Colo. – Deputies responded to 517 Pauline
Street, Clifton, around 9:30 p.m., on Saturday, November 2, 2013. The call into
dispatch was for an unresponsive adult male. Clifton Fire Department and patrol
deputies responded to the residence.

Through the Mesa County Coroner’s Office, the victim was
identified as 30-year-old Matthew Curtis Wilkerson, who lived at the Pauline
Street location. The Mesa County Coroner ruled Matthew’s death a homicide, by
strangulation.

Today, just after noon, investigators arrested Christipher Lee Baker, 27, of Grand Junction, and charged him with murder in the second degree
(class 2 felony) and false reporting to
authorities (class 3 misdemeanor). Christipher was arrested at the Sheriff’s
Office without incident by investigators. He is currently being processed in the Mesa County
Detention Facility, being held with no bond until first appearance with a
Judge.

Court documents in this case are sealed and this case
remains active. No further information will be released at this time.

For current inmate and bond information, visit our Inmate Inquiry System, on our website. And follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo with
#GVCopBeat for local law enforcement information.

Special Note: The correct spelling of Mr. Baker’s birth name
is, Christipher Baker. His alias is Christopher Lee Baker.

Sixteenth Arrest For Indecent Exposure

Mesa County, Colo. -- Today, at 10:40 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the report of a naked man in the desert north of Grand Junction. A woman walking her dogs in the area reported seeing the truck frequently and was concerned the adult male may be experiencing a medical issue.

Rural Area Deputies responded to the location on 25 Road, and made contact with Robert Keith Mollerup, 64, who match the description provided to dispatch (including his vehicle description). Robert was clothed when deputies contacted him.

Robert is currently registered as a convicted sex offender with the Grand Junction Police Department, and was current on his registration requirements. However, upon researching his criminal history, he had 15 prior arrests for indecent exposure spanning three states. Therefor, his arrest for indecent exposure today (being his 16th arrest on that charge) was a class 6 felony charge.

For current information on all registered sex offenders in Mesa County, click here. And be sure to follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat for all the latest breaking law enforcement news in #MesaCounty.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Separate Meth Arrests Overnight

Mesa County, Colo. -- The MCSO Street Crimes Unit located a vehicle making several traffic infractions while going eastbound on North Avenue, yesterday about 5 p.m. Ultimately, the vehicle was stopped by Street Crimes deputies in the 2800 block of North Avenue, where the only occupant of the car was identified as Shea Becker, 26, of Gunnison.

Eric Lynn, 22, of Collbran

Shea was arrested and charged with various traffic infractions, in addition to the 2.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia he possessed.

During a separate incident with patrol deputies during the 9 o'clock hour of yesterday morning, Eric Lynn was found sleeping in his car at a convenience store located on the corner of 29.5 and Patterson Roads. Deputies could see drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and woke Eric up, as he was sleeping in the front seat. Deputies arrested Eric on methamphetamine, paraphernalia and various court and bail bond violation charges. He was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility without incident.

Bond information can be found through our Inmate Inquiry System, on our agency website. For all emergency related updates in Mesa County, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Collecting Canned Food & Non-Perishables For

Local Veterans

Mesa County, Colo. -- The Sheriff's Office is doing a canned food drive supporting local Veterans! Throughout the month of November, bring canned foods and non-perishable foods to either MCSO location:

Long's Park substation (north end off Patterson Rd.) on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Main office at 215 Rice Street, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We will deliver all the food we collect the first week of December to the local Vet Center. Thanks in advance for your support and sharing this message!

Paramedics Called To Home, Women Has Meth & Warrant

Amber Guerrero, 30, of Grand Junction

Mesa County, Colo. -- Around 5 a.m., on November 5, the paramedics were called to a home in the 500 block of Fruitvale Court, Grand Junction, for a report of an adult male experiencing a medical issue. Deputies responded to the home in a support role for the paramedics.

At the home, deputies contacted Amber Guerrero, 30, of Grand Junction, at the residence and were notified she had an outstanding warrant out of Delta County. Deputies found suspected methamphetamine in Amber's possession at the residence. She was transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility and during the pat down for entry into the jail, deputies located additional suspected methamphetamine in her pants pocket.

For information on others booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility, visit our website. You can also find breaking emergency news and tips by following our Twitter account @SheriffMesaColo and #GVCopBeat.

Friday, November 1, 2013

MCSO Has Movember Team,

Stash House

Mesa County, Colo. -- The men's movement to show support for prostate and testicular cancer, and overall men's mental health is called Movember. It's also an International non-profit raising money and awareness, in a very masculine manner.

Derek speaking with Daily Sentinel about first shave in 17 years

Capt. Hendricks getting his Nov 1st shave done

Prostate cancer has a direct connection in a couple of ways to our agency. In a serious manner, many around the Sheriff's Office want to show support. Joining the MCSO Movember Team is the perfect way to do that.

Group Before Pic (notice photo bombers)

Group Before Pic (notice photo bombers)

Daily Sentinel taking a group photo

The not so serious part of this, is the razzing, kidding and fun poking that has already begun between team members. All this over who can grow the best and worst mustache in 30 days. Or, the two employees who have never gone without their mustache, until today. November 1st, the rules say, you must start clean shaven and then grow your mustache all month. Those who've had their stache for 20 to 30 years find today to be the hardest for them. The others, who are worried about growing a mustache, well they are dreading the end of the month.

Currently, our Stash House team is growing with nearly 40 participants, including Sheriff Stan Hilkey. And, the ladies can join the team to show their support too. They are affectionately called Mo Sistas.

Group Before Pic

To join the craze or create your own team, check out the Movember website. Follow our agency's #Movember progress on Facebook and Twitter.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

TRUNK-n-TREAT TONIGHT

Mesa County, Colo. -- Join the Sheriff's Office Street Crimes Unit deputies and School Resource deputies at the Maverick store located on 29.5 and Patterson Roads, from 4pm to 6pm, today. They will be handing out candy to the kiddos, getting the evening started in a fun and safe manner.

For those of you driving tonight, be mindful of kids crossing streets and possibly darting out into roadways. Also, make sure an older child or adult accompanies kids trick-or-treating, only go to homes you know, check the candy before your kids eat any of it and take a picture of your children in their costume before heading out.

Dorothy from the Wizard of MCSO

In case your kids lose you while out trick-or-treating tonight, it is very helpful for law enforcement to know exactly what your child looks like in their costume. And don't delay on calling 911 for missing kids/parents.

Witch

Here are a few pictures of people around our office who dressed-up today! Happy Halloween!